Shop Rules
- Thread starter Lucid Moments
- Start date
RoninB4
Well-known member
Some simple rules from working in machine shops for decades:
1) Ask first no matter what it is (safety/expense factor)
2) No work performed in shop unattended unless I say so (safety factor)
3) No borrowing tools
4) No watches, rings, necklaces or gloves if using machinery (safety)
5) Long sleeves to be rolled up unless welding (safety)
6) Safety glasses on before turning machine on (do I need to mention why?)
7) Long hair WILL be tied back, beards contained (safety)
8) Leave it cleaner/better than you found it
9) No projects left here without prior approval
10) No open toed shoes (safety)
Most of those rules are in the interest of safety, if you've never seen an industrial accident they're brutal, messy, and almost always life changing. Friends may not be so "friendly" when a lawsuit results from their own carelessness. Same goes for working in my shop when I'm not there, if I can't be certain of your safety habits around machinery. I've seen guys that were supposed to be seasoned machinists leave the chuck key in the drill press and/or lathe and walk away. "You broke it you bought it" does not apply either, some of my tooling was made by me, is no longer available, or you wouldn't know how to replace it if you wanted to.
I do work for free a lot, don't really mind doing it if I have time. Don't presume I'll just do for free because you know me.
1) Ask first no matter what it is (safety/expense factor)
2) No work performed in shop unattended unless I say so (safety factor)
3) No borrowing tools
4) No watches, rings, necklaces or gloves if using machinery (safety)
5) Long sleeves to be rolled up unless welding (safety)
6) Safety glasses on before turning machine on (do I need to mention why?)
7) Long hair WILL be tied back, beards contained (safety)
8) Leave it cleaner/better than you found it
9) No projects left here without prior approval
10) No open toed shoes (safety)
Most of those rules are in the interest of safety, if you've never seen an industrial accident they're brutal, messy, and almost always life changing. Friends may not be so "friendly" when a lawsuit results from their own carelessness. Same goes for working in my shop when I'm not there, if I can't be certain of your safety habits around machinery. I've seen guys that were supposed to be seasoned machinists leave the chuck key in the drill press and/or lathe and walk away. "You broke it you bought it" does not apply either, some of my tooling was made by me, is no longer available, or you wouldn't know how to replace it if you wanted to.
I do work for free a lot, don't really mind doing it if I have time. Don't presume I'll just do for free because you know me.
cvairwerks
Well-known member
Not really crotchety in my case, as I haven't had any of my friends come to my shop since it moved 9 years ago. Before that, they were in the shop maybe 3-4 times in the previous 17 or so years. I'm usually over in their shops helping out on their projects. One thing that has kept them away for most of that time, is the I worked afternoons or nights for most of the last 26 years. When they work days, no one really wants to come play at my place at 3 am....
sberry
Banned
Main thing is grinding. The part timer can't seem to do it without blowing dross at everything.
misterfixit
Well-known member
I'm planning on making a couple of signs for my (now under construction) shop:
The first Don't touch moving things
The second Not only will the equipment in here kill you, it will hurt the entire time you die
The first Don't touch moving things
The second Not only will the equipment in here kill you, it will hurt the entire time you die
aka Larry
Well-known member
I pretty much have only one friend that I would let use my shop while I'm not there. He knows where all the tools are, how to use them, where to put them back, and how to clean up when he's done.
I love having the guys on my race team to come over to the shop, work on the car, and hang out. Fortunately, they all know nobody is leaving until the shop is back to the same state as when we all started working. That includes cleaning the tools, putting them back, and sweeping the floor.
Wow! I say the VERY SAME THING! I've never sat may *** in the water because I have enough sense to look first.
I love having the guys on my race team to come over to the shop, work on the car, and hang out. Fortunately, they all know nobody is leaving until the shop is back to the same state as when we all started working. That includes cleaning the tools, putting them back, and sweeping the floor.
Wow! I say the VERY SAME THING! I've never sat may *** in the water because I have enough sense to look first.
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4 FN 27
ALLIANCE MEMBER
I don't require any rules anymore since building the new shop. Hardly ever get a visitor as compared to the Race Shop of old.
My pet peeve is people slamming my Tools Box Drawers. Once? You get warned. Twice you get throat punched...
Otherwise I am typically the one doing the work while the "Client" waits drinking my Beer and holding a chair down from moving...
When it come to my BIL and Nephew I buy lunch every Saturday for all the help they have given me over the years...and yes that is a rule or they try to pay.
My pet peeve is people slamming my Tools Box Drawers. Once? You get warned. Twice you get throat punched...
Otherwise I am typically the one doing the work while the "Client" waits drinking my Beer and holding a chair down from moving...
When it come to my BIL and Nephew I buy lunch every Saturday for all the help they have given me over the years...and yes that is a rule or they try to pay.
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Bruce Amacker
Well-known member
No, there are a lot of smart people here who realize this is a very litigious society. When you're drinking buddy gets hurt in your shop or sets the place on fire, I'd like to hear your opinion again after dealing with the insurance company or courts.
BTW, I'm betting very few of the people responding have commercial liability insurance polices on their shops. Somewhat akin to driving without insurance and a homeowner's policy is a joke in these situations. Talk to your insurance agent, he'll inform you that you are wide open for a lawsuit if something goes wrong. Ask your wife if she would mind losing your house over something stupid that goes wrong.
CYA, no good deed goes unpunished.
Oh, Good Lord.
kaymccampbell
Well-known member
No, no, no. If they get hurt, you have to be willing to bury them in your back yard, and take their vehicle to a sketchy neighborhood and burn it.
dcg9381
Well-known member
matt_i
Well-known member
My rule is if you come into the shop I'm probably going to put you to work.
gunguy
Well-known member
The only person other than me it the shop is the wife and that's rarely. The only rule is if she borrows something, return it and leave it on the bench. I'll put it away. That way it gives me a chance to check it for any wear or damage, clean it, and return it to where it belongs. Then I can find it when I need it with some assurance it will work properly.
Jim
Jim
aczr2k
Well-known member
After reading these replies I'm glad I live in the middle of nowhere and just have farming buddies. We help each other finish daily shop projects so we can enjoy happy hour together and discuss driving the struggle bus that particular day.. Never had any mindless worries about mess and borrowed tools, most days I'm lucky to have help anytime I need and offer my help when they need it. True old fashioned neighbors, must be a Minnesota thing.
Metallitubby
Well-known member
Nah. Everyone is a little different. Whatever works for you!
"Diff'rent strokes for different folks"
OP
Lucid Moments
Well-known member
Not to be operated by Fuckwits is also good.
crewchief888
Well-known member
it's much easier to not have any friends.....
You and me both, brother. Reading these replies, many of which border on ridiculous, make me feel better about me and my folks. The fact anyone would let the fear of a mess, or a lost tool, or a lawsuit preclude them from having friends in the shop is sad...and fairly silly.
fsae0607
Well-known member
1. You break it, you replace it.
2. Clean up after yourself.
3. Bring booze!
I have friends and family use my shop for basic automotive maintenance (oil changes, brakes, tire r&B) while I supervise. No problem, I'll drink the beer/booze you bring and watch you work and tell you where my tools are. Luckily they've been very respectful.
My brother in law likes to borrow my shop to do maintenance on his truck, while he learns and I guide him. No problem, I have fun teaching and I get a good bottle of whiskey out of it
2. Clean up after yourself.
3. Bring booze!
I have friends and family use my shop for basic automotive maintenance (oil changes, brakes, tire r&B) while I supervise. No problem, I'll drink the beer/booze you bring and watch you work and tell you where my tools are. Luckily they've been very respectful.
My brother in law likes to borrow my shop to do maintenance on his truck, while he learns and I guide him. No problem, I have fun teaching and I get a good bottle of whiskey out of it
1. No Smoking
2. Clean up after yourself
3. If you borrow my tools make sure they go back where you got them
4. Take out your own trash
5. My shop is not your parts storage
all good there and I post this
My pic won't show
2. Clean up after yourself
3. If you borrow my tools make sure they go back where you got them
4. Take out your own trash
5. My shop is not your parts storage
all good there and I post this
My pic won't show
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ZRX61
Well-known member
Stopped working on a friends bike owing to him being an askhole. Next time he called he wanted to use my tools, in my garage, to work on his bike.
Told him that ain't ever gonna happen.
& if he can do the work himself, why the **** doesn't he buy his own goddamn tools?
Every time he asked "What (oil, tires, filters, chain, sprockets etc) should I get?" I'd tell him, then he'd show up with the cheapest **** he could find instead.
Told him that ain't ever gonna happen.
& if he can do the work himself, why the **** doesn't he buy his own goddamn tools?
Every time he asked "What (oil, tires, filters, chain, sprockets etc) should I get?" I'd tell him, then he'd show up with the cheapest **** he could find instead.
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PNWguy
Well-known member
1. Be safe.
2. Don't be a ****.
Two rules cover everything.
2. Don't be a ****.
Two rules cover everything.
thunderalley3
Well-known member
I have 3 Mastiffs who truly believe that my shop is theirs and it is where I make the money for their food. They eat 7 pounds of food a day and only get the good stuff. I can guarantee that they are not going to allow anyone to mess up what I am doing or to take any of my time or tools.
I do not need any signs. What most don't know is they are big babies and love everyone and will distract you while my lab sneaks around and runs you to the end of the driveway!!
I do not need any signs. What most don't know is they are big babies and love everyone and will distract you while my lab sneaks around and runs you to the end of the driveway!!
I must have great friends-----I have trusted many of them with my tools, etc. on occasion and never once worried about them. Even though tools can seem so 'important' and some may be expensive, my friends are much more important and life is too short to stress over the trivial stuff you are going to leave behind someday anyway.
It takes some people longer to learn this than others, but I think eventually we all will!
It takes some people longer to learn this than others, but I think eventually we all will!
GraySkies
Well-known member
I only have 1 friend who I allow to work unattended in my shop. He has been thoroughly checked out on using the lift, and if he breaks anything I know he's good for it. I've tried to let him use my tools, but he has his favorites and always brings his own and mostly uses those.
A few other friends will use the shop occasionally, but only with me in attendance (and probably doing much of the work, while they "learn").
A few other friends will use the shop occasionally, but only with me in attendance (and probably doing much of the work, while they "learn").
ez-duzit
Well-known member
Trivial stuff might be some old tools in a shed that a hobbyist occasionally uses for his own enjoyment/entertainment. But a distinction should be made between such a situation and the well equipped shop a man relies upon for the livelihood of himself and his family.
gatewaysysop
Well-known member
I don't loan tools, and I don't work on other people's stuff. As far as all my neighbor's know, I have no tools or shop equipment, and my garage just has junk stored in it like most of theirs. Consequently, nobody asks for help with or to borrow anything, and I don't have to be an *** by saying no to them. It's a great system.
I don't loan tools, and I don't work on other people's stuff. As far as all my neighbor's know, I have no tools or shop equipment, and my garage just has junk stored in it like most of theirs. Consequently, nobody asks for help with or to borrow anything, and I don't have to be an *** by saying no to them. It's a great system.
Conversely, I am the neighborhood tool guy, and the guy who can fix stuff. I am always open to help folks with whatever I have.
To each their own.
MAYOR28
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Haven't had too many people over recently.....but other than safety stuff, which has been mentioned a lot, the first real rule is:
The price of admission is at least a 6-pack, per project.
(and nothing with "-light" after the name.....only the good stuff)
I want people to come over, I like helping/doing projects, I want to share and spread the DIY spirit. Too many people in the world are unwilling to help, I ran into this when I first bought my Corvette. Only 1 guy in the local club offered to 'inspect' the car with me. Now I have a lift, and yes, you are welcome to use it, see Admission Requirements Above.
...
The price of admission is at least a 6-pack, per project.
(and nothing with "-light" after the name.....only the good stuff)
I want people to come over, I like helping/doing projects, I want to share and spread the DIY spirit. Too many people in the world are unwilling to help, I ran into this when I first bought my Corvette. Only 1 guy in the local club offered to 'inspect' the car with me. Now I have a lift, and yes, you are welcome to use it, see Admission Requirements Above.
...
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aka Larry
Well-known member
I don't loan tools, and I don't work on other people's stuff. As far as all my neighbor's know, I have no tools or shop equipment, and my garage just has junk stored in it like most of theirs. Consequently, nobody asks for help with or to borrow anything, and I don't have to be an *** by saying no to them. It's a great system.
I have one neighbor (cop) who occasionally asks for help and/or borrows a tool, but it's usually just a simple hand tool like a wrench, socket, etc. Maybe it's just me, but a man with a house, wife, two kids should own (and know how to use) basic hand tools. He seems to have almost no mechanical ability, but fortunately his BIL has a lot, but the BIL isn't right across the street, so I get his overflow work.
Jagmandave
Well-known member
I used to hold shop days for the local MINI club.....one of the guys brought an old coffee jug with the word Tips written on it - his idea was that people should contribute a little here and there to offset the costs of consumables and other shop costs, since they were all using my tools, equipment and expecting me to teach them how to fix whatever they needed fixing.
He was about the only one that ever put anything in it, and he was always there just to help, never to work on his own car.
I quit doing that after a while as it seemed only a couple guys ever came back to volunteer their time with others - people came over to fix their car and we never heard from them again - that's not how a car club is supposed to work in my estimation.
I don't drink, so the 6 pack or bottle rule doesn't really work for me and god knows I don't need to eat any more donuts! but I'm always willing to help someone if they need it.
He was about the only one that ever put anything in it, and he was always there just to help, never to work on his own car.
I quit doing that after a while as it seemed only a couple guys ever came back to volunteer their time with others - people came over to fix their car and we never heard from them again - that's not how a car club is supposed to work in my estimation.
I don't drink, so the 6 pack or bottle rule doesn't really work for me and god knows I don't need to eat any more donuts!
but I'm always willing to help someone if they need it.Bogie1632
Well-known member
Well... Looks like I'll be braking rule 6 at the end of the week. Said rule breaker cousing desperately needs his truck running again. It's been sitting the better part of the last year and he recently kept driving his van with a cracked radiator until the motor quit. Wonder why that happened? If you dump water in the hot engine you get steam out the tail pipe and the dipstick tube. So...the '96 F350, 7.3L truck will be sucking up space in my cramped 2-car garage while I fix the brakes and suspension and replace the flywheel, starter, driveshaft and a whole lot of other issues. Dang rust belt trucks...
Might just toss all the rules just for him. Except the radio rule.
V/R
Bogie
Ray-CA
Well-known member
I pulled this from some Forum (maybe this one?) a few years ago.....
"Shop Day Rules
I thought it might be time to take a minute and talk about shop etiquette and procedures.
I am very happy to host the garage days at my shop, and want to continue offering my shop, equipment, tools and knowledge to the benefit of the club members. I don't have a lot of rules, just have fun, and be safe and respectful of others and their things.
To that end, here are a few requirements and just good manners I expect to be followed:
Tools:
If you borrow or use a tool, put it back where you got it.
If you don't know where it goes just put it in the grey cart and I'll take care of it, don't just stick it somewhere or hang it on the first peg you see.
When a tool comes out of one of my boxes, it's clean. I expect it to be that way when it's returned to me. Honestly, would you put dirty silverware back in the drawer at your house?
If you borrow a tool, make sure it doesn't go home with you. If it does, just contact me and let me know what you have and when you can drop it back by. If it happens, I'm not worried about it as long as they come back. Likewise, if I find something that isn't mine, I'll do my best to contact who I think it belongs to and hold it till they can come by, but you have to inventory your own tools.
Equipment:
If you borrow any of my tools, please try to return it as soon as you can in case someone else wants to do some work on their car. The rule on cleanliness applies here too.
If you break something, lose something or damage something don't sweat it, just replace it with like. Stuff happens, so just let me know and we'll deal with it - no biggie.
Shop cleanliness:
I always try to have the shop clean, swept and tools put away and available; I also keep cleaners, shop towels, paper towels, hand cleaner, fluids, sprays, anti-seize and so on at the ready. If you use something up, let me know so we can replace it.
If you dump brake dust all over the floor, sweep, wipe or clean it up.
If there's something you think we should have on hand or that we need, let me know and I'll get it into stock.
If you borrow a quart of oil or use brake fluid to flush your system, simply replace it with the same.
I provide hand cleaner, towels and soap to wash up with, please don't leave the sink dirty and the walls splattered with dirt. Wipe up after yourself, I'm not your mother!
Workmanship:
We're not professionals, so mistakes can happen and I can't check every nut and bolt although I will go back over your work with you to try and make sure nothing gets missed. Every one of you should develop their own mental checklist and do the same. If you need help, ask - it's why I'm here.
In the end, you are responsible for your car - period.
Shop safety
Common sense should prevail here -
If you're using a grinder or sander wear safety glasses - I have extras, just ask.
Don't get under a car unless it is properly supported on jack stands or ramps. Make sure wheels are chocked.
Don't have a shop towel in your hand while using something spinning at high speed like a drill or bench grinder (this includes loose clothing as well.)
Don't spray volatile or flammable liquids on hot surfaces.
There are fire extinguishers hanging by the around the shop, locate them so you know where they are if you need one quickly.
Alcohol is not allowed in the shop till all the work is done for the day and things are all put away safely.
Finally: The point of shop days is to hang out with other Gearheads and have some fun, camaraderie, good fellowship and maybe get a little work done on our cars. Guests who are not working are more than welcome, but please make sure you don't impede the work for those that are. Please, no young children. The shop environment is too dangerous to allow them to wander about or distract you from your project.
I’ve never had a serious accident in my shop, and I'd like to keep it that way.
And don't leave my damn tools dirty!"
"Shop Day Rules
I thought it might be time to take a minute and talk about shop etiquette and procedures.
I am very happy to host the garage days at my shop, and want to continue offering my shop, equipment, tools and knowledge to the benefit of the club members. I don't have a lot of rules, just have fun, and be safe and respectful of others and their things.
To that end, here are a few requirements and just good manners I expect to be followed:
Tools:
If you borrow or use a tool, put it back where you got it.
If you don't know where it goes just put it in the grey cart and I'll take care of it, don't just stick it somewhere or hang it on the first peg you see.
When a tool comes out of one of my boxes, it's clean. I expect it to be that way when it's returned to me. Honestly, would you put dirty silverware back in the drawer at your house?
If you borrow a tool, make sure it doesn't go home with you. If it does, just contact me and let me know what you have and when you can drop it back by. If it happens, I'm not worried about it as long as they come back. Likewise, if I find something that isn't mine, I'll do my best to contact who I think it belongs to and hold it till they can come by, but you have to inventory your own tools.
Equipment:
If you borrow any of my tools, please try to return it as soon as you can in case someone else wants to do some work on their car. The rule on cleanliness applies here too.
If you break something, lose something or damage something don't sweat it, just replace it with like. Stuff happens, so just let me know and we'll deal with it - no biggie.
Shop cleanliness:
I always try to have the shop clean, swept and tools put away and available; I also keep cleaners, shop towels, paper towels, hand cleaner, fluids, sprays, anti-seize and so on at the ready. If you use something up, let me know so we can replace it.
If you dump brake dust all over the floor, sweep, wipe or clean it up.
If there's something you think we should have on hand or that we need, let me know and I'll get it into stock.
If you borrow a quart of oil or use brake fluid to flush your system, simply replace it with the same.
I provide hand cleaner, towels and soap to wash up with, please don't leave the sink dirty and the walls splattered with dirt. Wipe up after yourself, I'm not your mother!
Workmanship:
We're not professionals, so mistakes can happen and I can't check every nut and bolt although I will go back over your work with you to try and make sure nothing gets missed. Every one of you should develop their own mental checklist and do the same. If you need help, ask - it's why I'm here.
In the end, you are responsible for your car - period.
Shop safety
Common sense should prevail here -
If you're using a grinder or sander wear safety glasses - I have extras, just ask.
Don't get under a car unless it is properly supported on jack stands or ramps. Make sure wheels are chocked.
Don't have a shop towel in your hand while using something spinning at high speed like a drill or bench grinder (this includes loose clothing as well.)
Don't spray volatile or flammable liquids on hot surfaces.
There are fire extinguishers hanging by the around the shop, locate them so you know where they are if you need one quickly.
Alcohol is not allowed in the shop till all the work is done for the day and things are all put away safely.
Finally: The point of shop days is to hang out with other Gearheads and have some fun, camaraderie, good fellowship and maybe get a little work done on our cars. Guests who are not working are more than welcome, but please make sure you don't impede the work for those that are. Please, no young children. The shop environment is too dangerous to allow them to wander about or distract you from your project.
I’ve never had a serious accident in my shop, and I'd like to keep it that way.
And don't leave my damn tools dirty!"
jeffmoss26
Well-known member
not an issue at home, but at work it drives me nuts when coworkers borrow my stuff without asking. Half the time, their tools are 5 steps outside in their trucks!
Worsedog
Well-known member
Help me clean up. Bout it.
Wipe the tools off or wrap up cords and hoses and shut doors, and we're good. I just don't want to be cleaning everything up alone at 1am after working all day. Drink my gatorade or beer, help yourself to the snacks, smoke where you want. Between burnt rubber, burnt coolant, and spilled gear oil anything that can absorb scent has already.
Wipe the tools off or wrap up cords and hoses and shut doors, and we're good. I just don't want to be cleaning everything up alone at 1am after working all day. Drink my gatorade or beer, help yourself to the snacks, smoke where you want. Between burnt rubber, burnt coolant, and spilled gear oil anything that can absorb scent has already.
Augus7us
Well-known member
I don't consider people that would abuse my tools or my trust "friends". So no there are no rules.
At this point in my life you don't get on the "friend" list easy or at all.
For those that have an open door policy with your shop what do you do when the guy is broke and that is why he needs your tools, then breaks something? Or injures himself? Don't know the answer but I know that is why all my neighbors hated the guy that owned my house.
Broke, wife left him, folks felt sorry for him and tried to help out and he just took advantage of them. I also live in the middle of nowhere. Great neighbors, only one is on the list though...
At this point in my life you don't get on the "friend" list easy or at all.
For those that have an open door policy with your shop what do you do when the guy is broke and that is why he needs your tools, then breaks something? Or injures himself? Don't know the answer but I know that is why all my neighbors hated the guy that owned my house.
Broke, wife left him, folks felt sorry for him and tried to help out and he just took advantage of them. I also live in the middle of nowhere. Great neighbors, only one is on the list though...
What happened to those posters saying
"I make my living with Snap On tools, Please don't ask to borrow them"
?
I'm with you guys! I'm thankful I don't need to worry about any of my friends or how they will treat my tools, whether they are ones I make a 'living' with or not.